The Reds most versatile player will find playing time hard to come by in 2022

Max Schrock may have been the Cincinnati Reds most versatile player in 2021. Schrock started 19 games in the outfield and garnered a handful of starts at first, second, and third base. The 26-year-old also wound up on the mound twice when the game was out of hand.

Schrock was a pleasant surprise, and filled the vital role of utility infielder; a role that was vacated by Kyle Farmer when he became Cincinnati's primary shortstop. But will Schrock maintain his standing with the team in 2022? That's tough to say.

What role will Max Schrock play for the Reds in 2022?

Max Schrock makes solid contact at the dish. The former St. Louis Cardinals' prospect prides himself on not striking out and hit .288/.328/.448 in 134 plate appearances last season. The left-handed hitter produced a similar slash line during his 38 games at Triple-A Louisville.

Along with Alejo Lopez and up-and-coming prospect Brian Rey, Schrock will be in contention to find a spot on the Reds bench next season. The key to his role may be how the team handles Farmer and fellow infielder Jose Barrero.

Farmer had a solid season taking over as the team's starting shortstop and will certainly be in the mix to be the Reds shortstop on Opening Day next season. But Barrero is thought by many to be the heir apparent at shortstop and will likely be given every opportunity to win the starting job outright during spring training.

Max Schrock's role with the Cincinnati Reds in 2022 will be determined by the battle for the starting shortstop job. There's also the possibility that Cincinnati shifts Barrero from shortstop to center field, which would definitely open up a spot for Schrock on the team's Opening Day roster.

Mike Moustakas is another player who'll be standing in the way of Schrock finding meaningful playing time in 2022. If the National League adopts the designated hitter, as many assume they will, then Moose will likely fill that role. If not, we could see a platoon at third base once again with Moustakas and Eugenio Suárez.

Max Schrock was a solid addition to the Reds organization last year, but with one minor league option remaining, the former 13th-round draft pick may find himself starting the 2022 season at Triple-A Louisville. Regardless, we're sure to see Schrock make an appearance with the Reds at some point next season.